Expectations are high for the Emporia High volleyball team.
The Lady Spartans finished last season with a 23-11 record and were one win away from qualifying for the Class 5A state tournament.
Emporia High got a taste of a game-like atmosphere Monday night by hosting Lebo and Osage City in a jamboree.
Coach Ping Wang says it was a good opportunity to play in front of their home crowd.
Emporia High lost three seniors from last year’s team and has six seniors on this year’s team.
One is Kyla Herfkens who says the Lady Spartans’ team chemistry is a strength.
Emporia High’s other seniors are Addie Kirmer, Taylor Cunningham, Ryan Peak, Alexa Shivley and Lexsey Dewitt. The Lady Spartans also return junior Sadie Rethman and sophomore Jade Xu, who was a first-team All-Centennial League selection as a freshman.
Wang says the Lady Spartans have to believe in themselves if they want to make it back to state.
Emporia High will open its season on Saturday with a tournament in Newton. Other teams in the tournament include Newton, Andale, Garden City, Wichita Southeast, and Maize.
Emporia High’s home opener is August 31 when it hosts Topeka High, Topeka West, and Highland Park in a quad.
